At 75, David’s routine knee replacement operation went wrong when the surgeon cut the popliteal artery. The wound became infected eventually resulting in the need for an above knee amputation.

There were lengthy discussions about whether the damage to the artery could be attributed to substandard operative technique or whether it was a rare, but recognised, complication of the procedure.

The amputation negligence claim was settled shortly after commencement of legal proceedings for £150,000 reflecting damages for the loss of limb, adaptations to the house, equipment and care needed to assist in minimising the effects of the amputation.